Removable decorative element with attached band to accessorize hair bow and other hair embodiments

ABSTRACT

The present invention is removable decorative element with attached band designed to wrap around the midsection of a hair bow or other hair embodiment. The invention has an elastic band, Velcro and a decorative element. This decorative element would be attached to one end of an elastic band by means of sewing or glue. On the backside of the decorative element there would be also a receiving piece of Velcro. The elastic band is between the decorative element and the Velcro. Attached to the opposite end and side of the elastic band there would be a mating piece of Velcro glued or sewn to the elastic band. The elastic band would wrap around the mid section of the hair bow or other hair embodiment to form a complete loop and attach to itself by Velcro, to be easily removable and also hidden from sight under the decorative element for aesthetic appeal. This removable decorative element with attached band can fit bows of many different shapes and sizes. There are many different decorative elements with attached bands to give one many choices to change the look of the hair bow. Velcro is the preferred removable attachment, however you can use some other removable attachment in place of the Velcro.

THIS APPLICATION CLAIMS BENEFIT OF PROVISIONAL APPLICATION Ser. No. 61/047,244 FILED ON APR. 23, 2008

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to methods of interchanging decorative elements on hair bows and other hair embodiments.

2. Discussion of Prior Art

There are some prior inventions that touch on this area but don't give an adequate solution to the problem. The ease of using this invention and the option of interchanging styles without disturbing the integrity of the hair bow itself is much needed and not addressed properly thus far. One could give a single hair bow many different looks with just a change of these decorative elements. Each decorative element has it's own elastic band permanently attached for more stability and security. The removable attachment such as Velcro but not limited to Velcro is easy for all ages to use. There has been no prior invention that is suitable for fitting around a hair bow or similar hair embodiment. There is no prior invention that would be confused with this invention in the way that it looks and works. If one were to point out subtle similarities, there are a few patents that touch on the point of accessorizing the hair.

-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,316, DATE FEB. 10, 2004, CLAUDIA KLUG DECORATIVE     HAIR ACCESSORY KIT WITH INTERCHANGEABLE DECORATIONS AND STORAGE     BOARD.

This is a kit comprising of different accessories fixable to the hair controlling devices with a small hook and loop material affixed to the decorative side of said ornaments and adhesively affixed to the flat outer surface of a hair band.

The present invention does not have material affixed to the decorative side of the element. The present invention also does not adhesively affix to the flat outer surface of a hair band.

-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,585, DATE OCT. 17, 2000, DAVID REINSTEIN AND     MELODY KULP. HAIR ORNAMENT ATTACHMENT SYSTEM.

This system where two hook fasteners portions is releasable attached to one another.

The present invention does not have two hook fasteners portions releasable attached to one another.

-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,065, DATE JUL. 28, 1998, DESTRINA D. JOHNSON.     HAIR BARRETTE WITH REPLACEABLE ORNAMENTS.

This invention has a hair clasp consisting of a male plug and female receptacle.

The present invention does not consist of a hair embodiment. It can adapt to many different hair embodiments already on the market.

-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,439 DATE SEP. 9, 1997, KARIN HEIDECKER     DICKERSON. MULTI PURPOSE ORNAMENT AND METHOD OF USE.

This invention has two separate elastic bands at either side of a button.

The present invention has only one elastic band.

-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,611 DATE MAY 29, 2001, VICKI LECRONE & DENISE     HALL ORNAMENTAL BANDED CLOTHING DEVICE RECEIVING INTERCHANGEABLE     ORNAMENTATION.

This invention contains a pocket.

The present invention does not contain a pocket.

-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,903, DATE SEP. 18, 2001, HEIDI K. J. HOUFLER.     ACCESSORY DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD.

This invention has a cord woven through the main body.

The present invention does not have a cord woven through it or a display system.

-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,086, SEP. 26, 2000. FRANCESCA B. KUGLEN.     DECORATIVE HAIR ACCESSORY AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING.

The decorative hair accessory has two free ends for attaching.

The present invention has only one free end for attaching.

-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,227, JUL. 15, 1999, STEVEN SHWEKY. COMBINATION     HAIR ACCESSORY AND TOY.

The elastic is surrounded by fabric and the toy is attached to the outside surface of the fabric.

The present invention does not need to consist of any outer fabric at all.

-   U.S. Pat. No. 7,278,432, OCT. 9, 2007, TERESA LANE.     ATTACHABLE/DETACHABLE SUPPLEMENTAL HAIR ACCESSORY.

This hair accessory has many elastic strips and many loops.

The present invention has only on elastic strip and only one loop for means of attaching.

-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,836, JAN. 13, 1998, KATHLEEN MCKEOWN. HAIR     ORNAMENT AND HAIR CONTROL DEVICE SECURING ASSEMBLY.

This invention has a control device with hook and loop to hold hair.

The present invention does not hold hair, it attaches to the hair embodiment.

-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,371, JUL. 4, 2000, GERALDINE ROSE BADER     SALTZMAN. HAIR CLIP HAVING A NOVEL GRIPPING MECHANISM AND REMOVABLE     DECORATIVE ATTACHMENTS.

This invention has Velcro on the barrel section of the hair item

The present invention is detachable from ones choice of hair embodiment.

-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,158, NOV. 7, 2000, LISA LLOYD. INTERCHANGEABLE     BARRETTE ASSEMBLY WITH ORNAMENTAL COMPONENT.

This invention contains a pair of posts and a clasp assembly.

The present invention does not contain a pair of posts.

-   US PATENT APPLICATION 20060249172, NOV. 9, 2006, PATRICIA BALLEW     BARNES. DECORATIVE HEAD BAND SYSTEM WITH INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS     AND ASSOCIATED BUSINESS METHOD FOR SELLING DECORATIVE HEAD BAND     SYSTEM WITH INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS.

This head band system has a reversible attachment and an elongated head band member.

The present invention does not have a head band system or reversible attachment.

-   US PATENT APPLICATION 20050056298, MAR. 17, 2005, MICHAEL J.     MCROBERTS. HOOK ON PONY TAIL ACCESSORY.

This hook on pony tail accessory contains T shaped flexible shafts.

The present invention may or may not be used as a pony tail accessories.

The present invention does not contain T shaped shafts.

-   US PATENT APPLICATION 20070175493, AUG. 2, 2007, GUSTAU LANDBURG.     HAIR ORNAMENT DEVICE.

This hair ornament device has an elongated helical member for wrapping around and enclosing a bunch of hair.

The present invention is not used to enclose hair but rather to accessorize ones chosen hair enclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This is a decorative element with attached elastic band with which one can interchange many different decorative elements and band onto hair bows or other hair embodiments of various shapes and sizes. The present invention is easy to use and just takes ones ability to wrap the invention around a hair embodiment such as but not limited to a hair bow. There is a separate attached elastic band on each decorative element that wraps around ones hair embodiment. The present invention can have many different options of color or style by using a different decorative element and attached band for each different look that one wants.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

The present invention does not attach to the hair embodiment permanently. This enables one to also wear the hair embodiment without a decorative element if desired at the time. The present invention fits snugly around the hair embodiment, not to fall off or be displaced. The present invention will not leave any damage to the hair embodiment. The present invention can be easily connected and removed. This invention would give one the ability to have a more affordable choice of accessory. The chance is much greater that one would buy a removable decorative element to personalize a hair embodiment so if one wanted to wear the hair embodiment by itself they can. An example of this would be, Jane Doe wants to wear a ballet shoe bow to ballet school. After ballet school Jane Doe wants to just wear the plain pink bow. With the present invention Jane Doe would not have to buy two separate bows. One bow with the ballet shoe permanently attached and one without. Jane Doe would only have to buy this removable decorative element with attached band of a ballet shoe and buy one bow or use an existing bow that she already has.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. A view of the front side of the invention.

FIG. 2. A view of the back side of the invention.

FIG. 3. A view of the side of the present invention with the formed loop.

FIG. 4.-8. The process of using the present invention on a bow.

FIG. 4. A view of the front side of the present invention.

FIG. 5. A view of the back of a bow with a clip and the invention.

FIG. 6. A view of the front of a bow with the present invention before it is wrapped around a bow.

FIG. 7. The front of a bow with the present invention in the process of being wrapped around a bow.

FIG. 8. The final step of completing a hair bow with the present invention.

FIG. 9.-11. Three examples of different hair closures that the invention adapts to.

FIG. 9. A picture of the back of a bow with a closed barrette attached to it.

FIG. 10. A picture of the back of a bow with a clip attached to it.

FIG. 11. A picture of the back of a bow with a hair band attached to it.

FIG. 12.-14. The examples of the hair bows from FIGS. 9-11 completed and showing the front side to show no difference in appearance no matter what hair fastener is chosen.

FIG. 12. The front view of the bow of FIG. 9 with the present invention.

FIG. 13. The front view of the bow of FIG. 10 with the present invention.

FIG. 14. The front view of the bow of FIG. 11 with the present invention.

FIG. 15.-17. An example of the range of sizes of bows the present invention can fit.

FIG. 15. A small sized bow with a ballet shoe decorative element fitting perfectly around the midsection of the bow.

FIG. 16. A medium sized bow with the same ballet shoe of FIG. 15 fitting perfectly around the midsection of the bow.

FIG. 17. A large sized bow with the same ballet shoe of FIG. 15 fitting perfectly around the midsection of the bow.

FIG. 18. A picture of the present invention fitting perfectly around a head band.

NUMBERS USED TO LABEL DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE DRAWINGS AND PICTURES

PART 20—Front side of the decorative element.

PART 21—Front side of the elastic band

PART 22—Front side of the removable attachment (Velcro used)

PART 23—Back side of the decorative element.

PART 24—Back side of the elastic band

PART 25—Front side of the receiving or mating end of the removable attachment (Velcro in this case) on the back of the decorative element.

PART 26—Optional material on the back of the elastic band and decorative element for extra stability applicable to some removable attachments (such as Velcro).

PART 27—Back side of part 22 the removable attachment (in this case Velcro).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION.

The present invention is used for personalizing a hair embodiment. The present invention wraps around a hair bow or other hair embodiments of various shapes and sizes by means of elastic band and completing loop by means of a removable attachment examples in the drawings use the choice of Velcro as the removable attachment. The present invention is not limited to using Velcro as its removable attachment and understands that there are many different attachments one versed in the art can use, so they are claimed. The preferred hair embodiment in the drawings and pictures are bows and a head band, however there are many different hair embodiments that the present invention can fit around so it is not limited to use on just bows and head bands and is claimed to be open to use on any hair embodiment that it will fit. As shown in the drawings and pictures, the present invention is used for the purpose of personalizing a hair embodiment. The present invention is easy to use and comes in many choices of decorative elements. The present invention is easily attached and detached. The present invention uses an elastic band. The elastic band can be made of any material capable of stretching that is conducive to the present invention. The detailed description will use the drawings and pictures as a tool for the best illustration of the present invention.

FIG. 1. is a view of the front side of the present invention. This drawing uses a simple design example of a decorative element 20. This design is only an example and the decorative element 20 can come in various shapes, sizes, colors and materials. The elastic band.21 is shown how it looks before the present invention is formed into a loop around a hair embodiment, in this case a bow. The elastic band 21 is attached permanently by glue, sewn, or any other means of permanent attachment behind the decorative element. The elastic band 21 extends from the bottom portion of the decorative element 23 in this drawing, but can extend from the top, bottom or any other part in between. The elastic band 21 ends behind the Velcro pieces 25,27 shown in picture. The front portion of a mating Velcro piece is showing 22 at the end opposite of decorative element 20 at the other end of the elastic band 22.

FIG. 2. is a view of the backside of the present invention. A Piece of Velcro 25 is behind the decorative element 23. The elastic band 24 is permanently attached between the Velcro piece 25 and the back of the decorative element 23. The Velcro 22,25 or any other chosen detachable material 22,25 can be of different sizes, colors and shapes to fit the certain decorative element 23.The elastic band 21 shown before the loop is formed, extends from the bottom portion of the backside of the decorative element 23. The elastic band 21 can extend from top, bottom, or anywhere between and is just shown in the picture extending from the bottom portion of the backside of the decorative element 23. On the opposite end of the elastic piece, the elastic band is permanently attached to the backside of a mating Velcro piece 22. The elastic piece is then covered on its opposite side with a piece of material 26 permanently affixed, which is shown optional for more stability. Note, this material might also be an option only on some removable attachments because of shape, size or material used as the removable attachment.

FIG. 3. A view of the side of the present invention showing the formed loop. A shown angle of the backside of the decorative element 23. An example of the front side of the decorative element 20. The elastic band 24 is permanently attached to the backside of the decorative element. A mating piece of Velcro 25 is permanently attached on its backside to the topside of the elastic band 21,24 and on the backside of the decorative element 23. The elastic band 21 is forming a loop as it would around a hair embodiment. The elastic band 21 ends by being permanently attaching to the backside of a mating piece of Velcro 27. The Velcro piece 22 connects mating with the other Velcro piece 25 at opposite end on the backside of the decorative element 23 to form a complete circle. A piece of material is permanently attached to the back of the elastic band and the back of the Velcro piece for more stability. This step is optional and can only be used on some types of removable attachments.

FIGS. 4-8 The process of using the present invention on hair bow, the choice hair embodiment for the pictures.

FIG. 4. is a view of the front side of the invention.

This is a simple design example of the decorative element 20. This design is only an example and the decorative element 20 can come in various shapes,sizes,colors and materials. The elastic band 21 is shown how it looks before the present invention is formed into a loop around the chosen example of hair embodiment, a hair bow. The elastic band 21 is permanently attached behind the decorative element 23. The elastic band 21 can extend from the bottom portion of the decorative element 23 but can extend from top, bottom or between. The elastic band 21 ends behind the Velcro piece and is permanently attached to the Velcro piece 25. The front portion of a mating Velcro piece 22 is showing at the end opposite of the decorative element at the other end of the elastic band 21.

FIG. 5. This figure is a view of the back of a bow with a clip and the present invention. Place the present invention right side up 20,21,22 on the midsection of the present invention. Please note, that one might change from right side up to up side down for the desired or correct look of the end result. Or they might adjust off midsection for their own desired look. Place the present invention between the hair clip and the back of the bow.

FIG. 6. This is a view of the front of the bow with the present invention before it is wrapped around the bow. Turn the bow around to its front side like FIG. 6 shows. You will see parts 24,26,27.

FIG. 7. The front of the bow with the present invention in the process of being wrapped around a bow. Hold the bottom end of the elastic band 24 that is attached to the Velcro piece 22 opposite of the decorative element 23. Wrap said end around the front side of the hair bow or other chosen hair embodiment.

FIG. 8. The final step of completing a hair bow with the present invention. Hold decorative element 20,23 with other hand and wrap the decorative element 20,23 around the opposite end of the middle section of the bow to connect with the mating piece of Velcro 22 from the bottom end of elastic band 21.

FIG. 9-11 Three examples of different hair closures to which the present invention adapts.

FIG. 9 A picture of the back of a bow with a closed barrette attached to it. The present invention parts 20,21,22 are showing. The elastic band 21 is going between the closed barrette and the back of the bow at the midsection of the bow.

FIG. 10. A picture of the back of a bow with a clip attached to it. The present invention parts 20,21,22 are showing. The elastic band 21 is going between the clip and the back of the bow at the midsection of the bow.

FIG. 11. A picture of the back of a bow with a hair band attached to it. The present invention parts 20,21,22 are showing. The elastic band 21 is going between the hair band and the back of the bow at the midsection of the bow.

FIG. 12-14 The examples of the hair bows from FIGS. 9-11 completed and showing the front side to show no difference in appearance no matter what hair fastener is chosen.

FIG. 12. The front view of the bow of FIG. 9 with the present invention.

FIG. 13. The front view of the bow of FIG. 10 with the present invention.

FIG. 14. The front view of the bow of FIG. 11 with the present invention.

FIG. 15-17. These pictures show an example of the range of sizes of bows the invention can fit.

FIG. 15. A ballet shoe decorative element fitting perfectly around the midsection of a small bow.

FIG. 16. The same ballet shoe decorative element of FIG. 15 fitting perfectly around the midsection of a medium sized bow.

FIG. 17. The same ballet shoe decorative element of FIG. 15 fitting perfectly around the mid section of a large bow.

FIG. 18. A picture of the present invention around a head band.

CONCLUSION OF THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention is easy to use. It is used for the purpose of personalizing a hair embodiment. As shown with many of the pictures, the present invention is shown on a hair bow. The inventor does like this hair embodiment because it is so cute. However, this invention can work on many different hair embodiments that have similarity to the width of a midsection of a bow of various widths. Different hair embodiments might include but are not limited to, different sizes and styles of barrettes, hair bands, clips and many others not mentioned. The elastic band that is spoken of so often as part of the present invention can be made of any kind of stretch material that is conducive to the present invention. Velcro is shown to be used in the pictures as the preferred means of removable attachment because of its ease of use even for a child and could be favored by the inventor. However, there are many different removable attachments that someone versed in the art could use. Some of the other attachments that can be used but are not limited to, are snaps, hook and loop, hook and eye and others. The present invention is so great because it can be used on a bow or barrette that one might already have, so not to have the cost of buying the bow or barrette also. 

1. A removable decorative element with attached band used to accessorize hair bows and other hair embodiments consisting of; (A) A decorative element (B) An elastic band (C) A removable attachment consisting of two mating parts, a giving part and a receiving part.
 2. A Decorative element can range in size from ¼″ w×¼″ h up to 4″ w×4″ h or any where between.
 3. A method according to claim
 1. For the purpose of personalizing a bow or other hair embodiment by wrapping around a hair embodiment and forming a complete loop. In the example of a bow, the present invention would wrap around the midsection of the hair bow.
 4. A method according to claim
 3. The elastic band forms the loop by having a removable attachment at both ends of the elastic band, the giving and receiving end to mate together and complete behind the decorative element so not to be seen.
 5. according to claim
 1. The decorative element can come in many various shapes,sizes,colors and materials.
 6. according to claim
 5. the decorative element may or may not have a hole going through it.
 7. according to claim
 1. The elastic band wraps around the hair embodiment and forms a complete loop around the hair embodiment and connects to its self by means of a removable attachment of two mating parts that come together behind the decorative element and on the front side of the hair bow or other hair embodiment.
 8. according to claim
 7. The elastic band can extend from any portion of the backside of the decorative element, however the midsection is preferred for stability.
 9. according to claim
 7. The elastic band is attached permanently to the receiving end of the removable attachment. In the drawings it is permanently attached to the back side of the receiving piece of Velcro,and therefore also permanently attached to the back of the decorative element. In this case the elastic band is between the Velcro and the back of the decorative element, however it may or may not be permanently attached to the back of the decorative element depending on the removable attachment.
 10. according to claim
 9. The elastic band ends at both ends of the removable attachment and is also attached permanently to the mating end of the removable attachment.
 11. according to claim
 9. When using Velcro or other hook and loop as choice of removable attachment, the elastic band is permanently affixed to the backside of the decorative element under the backside of receiving Velcro piece which is permanently affixed to the elastic band and the back side of the decorative element.
 12. according to claim
 6. The elastic band may or may not go through the decorative element before being permanently attached to the receiving end of the removable attachment behind the decorative element.
 13. according to claim
 7. The size of elastic band would be no greater than 2″ wide, ½″ thick, and no more than 4″ in length not stretched, and no less than ½ not stretched and any length between.
 14. according to claim
 1. The removable attachment can consist of any material that has two ends a giving end and a receiving end that mate together to become one and can be easily attached and detachable.
 15. according to claim
 14. The removable attachment can be different sizes, colors, shapes and materials to best fit the certain decorative element. As seen in the drawings the preferred removable attachment is Velcro™. Or other forms of hook and loop.
 16. according to claim
 14. Both ends of the removable attachment at either end of the elastic band connect, mating to form a complete loop.
 17. according to claim
 16. The removable attachment connects mating with the other mating end of removable attachment, on the back side of the decorative element to form a complete loop.
 18. according to claim
 13. The elastic band can come in many different colors including clear.
 19. according to claim
 13. The elastic band can come in some other materials as long as they can stretch.
 20. according to claim
 9. If using the preferred removable attachment of Velcro, the elastic band would be permanently affixed to the backside of the removable element and the receiving end of the Velcro piece would then be permanently affixed on the top of the elastic piece and the back of the decorative element. 